Cricket South Africa sets out Zimbabwe plan

Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket have been working together on a three-year plan to form the cornerstone of Zimbabwe's ambition to return to the Test arena.

Gerald Majola, the CSA chief executive, and his opposite number Ozias Bvute met on Monday in Johannesburg to discuss various issues relating to Zimbabwe, who are currently taking part in a short two-match ODI series against South Africa.

Zimbabwe took self-imposed exile from the Test game in 2005 after it became clear they couldn't field a competitive team, but are now focussing on returning to the five-day game after improvements within the country. At the height of Zimbabwe's problems, South Africa withdrew their support but have now pledged to help their neighbours.

"The plan, which targets grassroots cricket up to the national team, and the administration of Zimbabwe cricket, will now be work-shopped by CSA's cricket committee, the chief executive's committee and will finally make its way to the CSA board meeting next February for final ratification," Majola said.

"We had a constructive session yesterday and now we look forward to gaining further insight before presenting the three-year plan to the board. Both boards are determined to find a successful and sustainable structure for Zimbabwe cricket."

Bvute was also encouraged by the outcome of the meetings. "We are happy with the progress made with input from both parties," he said. "We shared ideas and looked for ways that will positively impact Zimbabwe Cricket. We are confident that jointly we will come up with a long term solution."

ZC president Peter Chingoka added: "Zimbabwe has a wealth of cricket talent and we want to turn them into stars. Cricket South Africa have strong development structures and we look forward to learning from them as we continue unearthing the stars of the future."